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Ski/snowboard participation down 3%, weather blamed

WASHINGTON, DC (BRAIN) — Ski and snowboard participation slumped 3 percent last season, largely due to a slow start to the season, according to a new industry report.

The SnowSports Industries America report looked at several types of skiing, including tradional alpine skiing, still the largest category by far. The report also tracked participation in snowboarding, cross-country skiing, free-skiing, telemark skiing and snowshoeing for the 2012-2013 winter season.

Alpine skiing participation declined the most, down 19 percent to 8.2 million participants. Snowboarding, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing also were down, while telemark skiing and free-skiing were up, despite the weather.

"The snowfall got a late start this season, really getting underway after the Christmas holiday," the SIA said.

SIA conducts more than 42,000 surveys of American households on their sports and leisure activities to create the study, which is free to SIA Members and $899 for non-members.

For more information about SIA Research contact SIA’s Director of Research at 703.506.4224 or KDavis@snowsports.org.